Headteacher Newsletter Issue 12
FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 20.3.20
World Book Day
Children and staff all enjoyed World Book Day last week with some time together in class to share some of their favourite books with breakfast. It was lovely to see the range of reading that the children enjoy at home and to have a chance to share and recommend to friends. A fabulous range of breakfasts were also enjoyed.
Science Day
On Friday 13th March the whole school enjoyed Science day. We were lucky to have many speakers come in to the school to talk to the children about their jobs and how they involve Science. In the afternoon Reception and KS1 were experimenting with bubbles. They were given the questions – Can you make bigger bubbles? Can you make different shape bubbles? Can you make different coloured bubbles? The children had great fun. We would like to thank all of our speakers for giving up the time to talk to the children.
Cross Country Event
Two teams of children from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 each qualified at the Partnership cross country event back in October to go through to the Uttlesford finals. This was a huge event held at Carver Barracks last Friday afternoon. The children all ran very well, with Y3 and Y4 children running 1km and Y5 and Y6 running 1.6km. Our teams were all well placed coming in between 4th and 6th places out of 9 or 10 schools in their event. A big congratulations to Amber in Y5 who finished 4th overall in her team’s event and now qualifies for the finals as an individual at Hadleigh Park in the Summer.
Coronavirus
As a follow on the regular Parent Mails updating you on the latest information, I just want to say thank your understanding and support during this challenging time. We are fortunate to have such a great school team amongst our staff and parents.
Please look after each other and keep in touch with the school.
Snow Patrol
It’s that time of year again. If you would like to volunteer your services to help Mr Docking to clear the school grounds in the event of snow, please let the office know so that we can compile a list of names. We are very grateful for any offers of help, so that school can, where possible, remain open.
Bad weather
In the event of severe weather conditions and possible school closure a notice will be placed on the school website.
Parents will be notified via our school website or the Essex County Council on the ‘Emergency School Closures’page: https://www.essex.gov.uk/education-schools/schools/dates/pages/emergency-school-closures.aspx
Please note that when the school is open in bad weather a path will be cleared to enable you to gain access to the school but care does still need to be taken.
Communication Chain
Just as a reminder, in order for the communication chain to be effective it is important that phone calls are made as opposed to emails or texts, in order to ensure contact is made. Normally the chain will be activated the morning of the school closure as the decision is made on the day, unless in exceptional circumstances we know of the need in advance. We will try to open where possible, hence the decision being made at the last minute, once we can assess the school site. We will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible, but as you are aware it takes some time for the communication to pass through.
Facebook can be used as a supplementary means of communication if requested to do so by a member of the leadership team but this is not part of the school process. ParentMail, the Communication Chain, the school website and the Essex link above are the school notifications.
Thank you again for your support with this process.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
3rd April End of term
20th April Summer Term starts
May Day 2020 Bank Holiday Change
Following the announcement by the Government that, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the May Day bank holiday in 2020 will now be Friday 8th May 2020, instead of Monday 4th May 2020.
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending March 6th
Year R Lottie – for being a kind and helpful class member
Year One Evelyn – for demonstrating a good understanding of coin values
Year Two Rose M – for working hard, being polite and helpful
Year Three Finlay – for good understanding of rock formation
Year Four Conor – for his improved handwriting
Year Five Darragh – for super poetry writing
Year Six Cameron – for excellent progress in Maths
THE TIDIEST CLASSROOM OF THE WEEK!
Our cleaners are judging the tidiest classroom each week. The winners are announced in assembly on a Friday. The class that has won the most times at the end of a term will be awarded an afternoon with an activity of their choice or an extra playtime.
Winners:
Week beginning:–
13.1.20 – year 3
27.1.20 – year Reception
3.2.20 – year 3
2.3.20 – year 2
REMINDERS:
- DINNER MONEY – School dinners must be paid for in advance. Now that payment is on-line, please check your KS2 child’s account regularly to ensure it is in credit. Dinners cost £2.20 per day, £11.00 per week, £66 for the first half of Spring Term, £132 for the whole of the Spring Term. If you have registered for an account, to make a payment, log into scopay.com.
- Please ensure you keep to the pavements when entering and leaving the school and be mindful of vehicles on the driveway.
- A number of families are arriving too early for school and are on site by 8.30am. This is a safeguarding concern as there is not the space at the front of the school to safely accommodate children and adults before the school and the gates are open at 8.40am. Also, there is not a member of staff present until this time. This area becomes very congested which also causes adults/children to spill onto the driveway at a time when vehicles are entering the school. Could you please therefore not arrive at school before 8.40am. We are reminding the bus company of the same timings. The gates close at 8.50am for the start of the school day. Thank you for your cooperation.
If you have any questions at any time then please feel free to make an appointment
Have a good weekend
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher
